035 Deep Dive into the Legendary "Class of '96" with Ramen Beast and Ramen Guide Japan Artwork

Ramen Hunter

Ramen Hunter is a podcast about Ramen in Japan! Join us as we discuss Ramen related topics and trends. We'll explore the history behind the seemingly endless styles of Ramen, and give you content that does more than scratch the surface of the Ramen world. Hosted by @ramenschmoe, an American guy living in Tokyo for over 15 years.

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Ramen Hunter

035 Deep Dive into the Legendary "Class of '96" with Ramen Beast and Ramen Guide Japan

March 20, 2023 • Ramen Schmoe

Join us on this episode of Ramen Hunter as we explore Ramen History with friends of the pod: Abram aka Ramen Beast and Cody aka Ramen Guide Japan.

Today we look into the legendary Class of '96. A group of shops including Menya Musashi, Aoba, and Kujiraken than pushed the Ramen into the 21st Century. Learn how the things we take for granted in modern shops trace their influence to this class, from bowl construction to design aesthetic.

We also discuss the passing of two significant figures in the Ramen world: Shiroiwa Kurato-san of Nonokura, and Chin Kenichi of Iron Chef fame. The fellas break down their impact on the Ramen world.

As always, a treat to have Abram and Cody share their knowledge.

Shops mentioned in the pod:

CLASS OF 96
Menya Musashi 麺屋武蔵
Aoba 青葉
Kujiraken くじら軒
Tagano　中華そば多賀野
Chabuya　柳麺ちゃぶ屋

Jiro Hitotsubashi Branch ラーメン二郎一橋学園店
MENSHO
Afrobeats
Konjiki Hototogisu　SOBAHOUSE 金色不如帰新宿御苑本店
Jinrui Minna Menrui　人類みな麺類東京本店
Robinson 自家製麺ロビンソン
Edmond えどもんど
Michi つけ麺道
Kikka 吉華自由が丘
Hashigo 支那麺はしご
Nakiryu 創作麺工房鳴龍
Banraien 萬来園
Suzunoki 自家製手もみ麺鈴ノ木
Shono 麺や庄の
Kikanbo カラシビ味噌らー麺鬼金棒
Ashura 拉麺阿修羅
Eburi 麺屋江武里